Timothy Ferriss's Blog, page 43

Dr. Jim Loehr on Mental Toughness, Energy Management, the Power of Journaling, and Olympic Gold Medals (#490)

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The power broker in your life is the voice that no one hears. How well you revisit the tone and content of your private voice is what determines the quality of your life. It is the master storyteller, and the stories we tell ourselves are our reality.
— Dr. Jim Loehr

Dr. Jim Loehr is a world-renowned performance psychologist and author of 17 books, including his most recent, Leading with Character, which also comes with “The Personal Credo Journal: A Companion to Leading with Character.”

He also co-authored the national bestseller The Power of Full Engagement.

From his more than 30 years of experience and applied research, Dr. Loehr believes the single most important factor in successful achievement, personal fulfillment, and life satisfaction is the strength of one’s character. He strongly contends that character strength can be built in the same way that muscle strength is built through energy investment.

Dr. Loehr has worked with hundreds of world-class performers from the arenas of sport, business, medicine, and law enforcement, including Fortune 100 executives, FBI hostage rescue teams, and military special forces.

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Brought to you by Helix Sleep premium mattresses, 99designs global design platform, and Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement. More on all three below.

Listen onApple Podcasts

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#490: Dr. Jim Loehr on Mental Toughness, Energy Management, the Power of Journaling, and Olympic Gold Medals
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This episode is brought to you by Helix Sleep! Helix was selected as the #1 best overall mattress pick of 2020 by GQ magazine, Wired, Apartment Therapy, and many others. With Helix, there’s a specific mattress for each and every body’s unique taste. Just take their quiz—only two minutes to complete—that matches your body type and sleep preferences to the perfect mattress for you. They have a 10-year warranty, and you get to try it out for a hundred nights, risk free. They’ll even pick it up from you if you don’t love it. And now, to my dear listeners, Helix is offering up to 200 dollars off all mattress orders plus two free pillows at HelixSleep.com/Tim.

This episode is brought to you by 99designs, the global creative platform that makes it easy for designers and clients to work together to create designs they love. Its creative process has become the go-to solution for businesses, agencies, and individuals, and I have used it for years to help with display advertising and illustrations and to rapid-prototype the cover for The Tao of Seneca. Whether your business needs a logo, website design, business card, or anything you can imagine, check out 99designs.

You can work with multiple designers at once to get a bunch of different ideas or hire the perfect designer for your project based on their style and industry specialization. It’s simple to review concepts and leave feedback so you’ll end up with a design that you’re happy with. Click this link and get $20 off plus a $99 upgrade.

This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system.

Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES…

Want to hear an episode with an athlete at the top of her game? Have a listen to my conversation with tennis powerhouse Maria Sharapova in which we discuss discipline, rejection, effective self-talk, exercises for injury prevention, the problem with the phrase “work-life balance,” and much more.

#261: Mental Performance, Work-Life Balance, and the Rise to the Top – Maria Sharapovahttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/de88c4ee-e280-46b9-a42c-3439f5e0ffac.mp3 Download

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Jim Loehr:

Website | LinkedIn

Leading with Character: 10 Minutes a Day to a Brilliant Legacy by James E. Loehr with Caren KenneyThe Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr and Tony SchwartzTribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Tim FerrissThe Hobbit by J. R. R. TolkienMental Toughness Training for Sports: Achieving Athletic Excellence by James E. LoehrNational Prep Wrestling Olympic Speed Skater Dan Jansen Falls after Sister Dies | HistoryDan Jansen’s Olympic Secret | NJBIZWhat the Voice inside Your Head Says About You | BBC FutureWhat My Morning Journal Looks Like | tim.blogBoomerang Effect | APA Dictionary of PsychologyWhat is Motivated Reasoning? How Does It Work? | Discover MagazineGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela DuckworthDefiance, Iowa | WikipediaDamion Searls: How Does the Rorschach Inkblot Test Work? | TED-EdThe Last Dance | Prime VideoTwo Most Important Days in Your Life: The Day You Were Born and the Day You Discover Why | Quote InvestigatorBraveheart | Prime VideoSenna | Prime Video30 for 30 | ESPN+Lonesome Dove | Prime VideoReturn to Lonesome Dove | Prime VideoRobert Duvall Remembers | Cowboys and Indians MagazineOpen: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi

SHOW NOTES

Note from the editor: Timestamps will be added shortly.

Jim has worked with hundreds of world-class performers. Who are a few the listener might recognize?How Jim’s work influenced me as a high school wrestler, and the context of why I wrote “I LOVE THE 1,000” in my journal during this time — the story of Olympic speed skating champion Dan Jansen.Jim’s notes on the real power broker governing our lives: the internal, private voice only we can hear, and what we have to gain by understanding our relationship with that voice.How can we better develop an awareness of what our private voice is trying to articulate and reinforce in us so it serves rather than hinders our efforts?How might a script that channels encouragement from this private voice be implemented?What inspired Jim to write Leading With Character, and what is the intention of the companion journal that accompanies it?In six to eight words, describe who you are when you’re most proud of yourself.In six to eight words, how would you like your life to be summarized on your tombstone?Having worked with countless athletes who could be considered number one in their craft, what consistent life patterns does Jim see among those who have staying power contrasted with those who seek their way to the top via shortcuts?Does Jim believe practicing kindness is more than just the right thing to do, but a crucial investment in one’s own chance at success?Documentaries and movies that Jim finds moving.Parting thoughts.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Jim Courier Novak Djokovich Monica Seles Mark O’Meara Eric Lindros Mike Richter Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini Hector “Macho” Camacho Dan Jansen Riley Opelka John Buxton Jane Jansen Kevin Scott Nick Kyrgios Roger Federer Rafael Nadal Angela Duckworth Arnold Palmer Hermann Rorschach Michael Jordan Andy Roddick Tiger Woods Mark Twain William Wallace Dennis Rodman Ayrton Senna Joe Gebbia Andre Agassi Ray Mancini Robert Duvall Gus McCrae Tommy Lee Jones Steffi Graf

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Published on December 28, 2020 05:52

Guy Raz Interviews Tim Ferriss — How I Built This — Key Lessons, Critical Decisions, and Reinvention for Fun and Profit (#489)

Monica Nguyen-Vo for NPR

Welcome to The Tim Ferriss Show, where it is usually my job to deconstruct world-class performers, to tease out their routines, habits, et cetera that you can apply to your own life. This time around, the tables are turned. I was interviewed by Guy Raz (@guyraz) for his mega-popular NPR podcast How I Built This.

In this episode, Guy traces my story from the very early days to the current day, asking me about key decisions, hard times, obstacles, lessons learned, and much, much more. We had a blast, we covered a lot of new ground, and Guy was kind enough to offer me the chance to post the audio, so that’s what you’ll hear.

For more Guy, check out his podcasts How I Built This, Wisdom from the Top, and The Rewind. He is also the co-creator of the acclaimed podcasts TED Radio Hour and Wow in the World, a children’s program.

Happy holidays and a very happy new year to you and yours.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Brought to you by GiveWell.org, producers of the world’s top research on charities and effective giving, and Athletic Greens all-in-one supplement. More on both below.

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#489: Guy Raz Interviews Tim Ferriss — How I Built This — Key Lessons, Critical Decisions, and Reinvention for Fun and Profit
https://rss.art19.com/episodes/4fe4a82b-3936-4b77-ace7-3647adb8be04.mp3 Download

This episode is brought to you by GiveWell.org! For over ten years, GiveWell.org has helped donors find the charities and projects that save and improve lives most per dollar. Here’s how: GiveWell dedicates over twenty thousand hours a year to researching charitable organizations and hand-picks a few of the highest-impact, evidence-backed charities. Since 2010, GiveWell has helped over 50,000 donors direct over 500 million dollars to the most effective charities. Most importantly, these donations will save over 75,000 lives and improve the lives of millions more.

This year, support the charities that save and improve lives most, with GiveWell. Any of my listeners who become new GiveWell donors will have their first donation matched up to $250 when you go to GiveWell.org/Tim and select “PODCAST” and “Tim Ferriss” at checkout.

This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system.

Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS FROM THE EPISODE…

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Guy Raz:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs by Guy RazHow I Built This with Guy Raz | NPRWow in the World | NPRTED Radio Hour | NPRWisdom From The Top | LuminaryThe Rewind with Guy Raz | Spotify The Tim Ferriss Show podcast Books by Tim Ferriss Guy Raz — Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs, The Story of ‘How I Built This,’ Overcoming Anxiety and Depression, and More | The Tim Ferriss Show #462Psychedelics — Microdosing, Mind-Enhancing Methods, and More | The Tim Ferriss Show #377Some Practical Thoughts on Suicide by Tim Ferriss

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Published on December 22, 2020 13:26

The Top 30 Episodes of The Tim Ferriss Show from 2020

Happy holidays!

Thanks to all of you, The Tim Ferriss Show crossed more than 600 million downloads this year, and it’s fast approaching 700 million. At the time of writing, the podcast is #1 in Business and in the top 25 for all Apple Podcasts. Doing the podcast has been one of my very few respites and saving graces amidst the madness of 2020. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for listening.

In case you have some extra time over the holiday season, perhaps after a pumpkin pie or cookie coma, below are my most popular episodes of the year. It’s a fun list.

We used an imperfect methodology—number of downloads one week after publication—but it’s good enough to surface the episodes you all felt were the most exciting. With the wild gyrations at the start of COVID, measurement changes (like excluding Apple Watch downloads), plus the fact that I aim to create evergreen episodes, take the below with a huge grain of salt.

2021 is going to be big. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your audio morsels.

Happy holidays to you and yours!

With heartfelt thanks,

Tim

Here’s the list, starting with the most downloaded:

#1: Hugh Jackman on Best Decisions, Daily Routines, The 85% Rule, Favorite Exercises, Mind Training, and Much More (Episode #444)

#2: Tim Ferriss — My Healing Journey After Childhood Abuse (Episode #464)

#3: Jack Kornfield — How to Find Peace Amidst COVID-19, How to Cultivate Calm in Chaos (Episode #414)

#4: Brené Brown — Striving versus Self-Acceptance, Saving Marriages, and More (Episode #409)

#5: The Random Show — New Year’s Resolutions, 2010–2019 Lessons Learned, Finding Joy, Energy Management, and Much More (Episode #408)

#6: Ryan Holiday — Turning the Tables (Episode #410)

#7: Naval Ravikant on Happiness, Reducing Anxiety, Crypto Stablecoins, and Crypto Strategy (Episode #473)

#8: Richard Koch on Mastering the 80/20 Principle, Achieving Unreasonable Success, and The Art of Gambling (Episode #466)

#9: Tyler Cowen on Rationality, COVID-19, Talismans, and Life on the Margins (Episode #413)

#10: Matthew McConaughey — The Power of “No, Thank You,” Key Life Lessons, 30+ Years of Diary Notes, and The Art of Catching Greenlights (Episode #474)

#11: Brad Feld — The Art of Unplugging, Carving Your Own Path, and Riding the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster (Episode #448)

#12: Penn Jillette on Magic, Losing 100+ Pounds, and Weaponizing Kindness (Episode #405)

#13: Sam Zell — Strategies for High-Stakes Investing, Dealmaking, and Grave Dancing (Episode #407)

#14: Bob Iger — CEO and Chairman of Disney (Episode #406)

#15: Sam Harris — Psychedelics, Meditation, and The Bigger Picture (Episode #433)

#16: Josh Waitzkin on Beginner’s Mind, Self-Actualization, and Advice from Your Future Self (Episode #412)

#17: Jamie Foxx on Workout Routines, Success Habits, and Untold Hollywood Stories (Repost) (#465)

#18: Richard Turner — The Magical Phenom Who Will Blow Your Mind (Episode #411)

#19: Dr. Vivek Murthy — Former Surgeon General on Combatting COVID-19, Loneliness, and More (Episode #417)

#20: Jim Dethmer on the Power of Radical Responsibility and How to Be the Author of Your Own Life (Episode #434)

#21: Esther Perel — Tactics for Relationships in Quarantine (Episode #418)

#22: Dan Harris on Becoming 10% Happier, Hugging Inner Dragons, Self-Help for Skeptics, Training the Mind, and Much More (Episode #481)

#23: Yuval Noah Harari on The Story of Sapiens, The Power of Awareness, and The Brilliance of Bone-Conduction Headphones (Episode #477)

#24: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Creative Path: Saying No, Trusting Your Intuition, Index Cards, Integrity Checks, Grief, Awe, and Much More (Episode #430)

#25: Janna Levin on Extra Dimensions, Time Travel, and How to Overcome Boots in the Face (Episode #445)

#26: Jerry Seinfeld — A Comedy Legend’s Systems, Routines, and Methods for Success (Episode #485)

#27: Michael Lewis — Inside the Mind of the Iconic Writer (Episode #427)

#28: David Yarrow on Art, Markets, Business, and Combining It All (Episode #443)

#29: Esther Perel — The Relationship Episode: Sex, Love, Polyamory, Marriage, and More (Repost) (Episode #463)

#30: Mike Novogratz on Bitcoin, Macro Trading, Ayahuasca, Redemption, and More (Episode #451)

P.S. In case you missed it, transcripts for all episodes are now available for free at this link, and you can find all sponsors from 2020 at this link.

P.P.S. To stay up to date when new episodes are released, take 10 seconds and sign up for “5-Bullet Friday” here. Each Friday, you’ll get a short email of five bullets, sending you off to your weekend with fun and useful things to ponder and try. If you dislike it, it’s easy to unsub.

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Published on December 22, 2020 12:16

Leo Babauta on Zen Habits, Antifragility, Contentment, and Unschooling (#488)

Illustration via 99designs

I learned that none of the urges that I thought I needed to act on were actually commands.
— Leo Babauta

Leo Babauta (@zen_habits) is a bestselling author and the founder of Zen Habits, a website dedicated to finding simplicity and mindfulness in the daily chaos of our lives. Zen Habits has more than two million readers, and Time magazine has named it one of their “Top 25 Blogs” and “Top 50 Websites.” He is also a student of Zen and on a mission to help the world open through uncertainty training.

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Brought to you by GiveWell.org, producers of the world’s top research on charities and effective giving, Tonal smart home gym, and Athletic Greens all-in-one supplement. More on all three below.

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#488: Leo Babauta on Zen Habits, Antifragility, Contentment, and Unschooling
https://rss.art19.com/episodes/c62bd9af-f4f6-4bb9-8022-754a79ef46df.mp3 Download

This episode is brought to you by GiveWell.org! For over ten years, GiveWell.org has helped donors find the charities and projects that save and improve lives most per dollar. Here’s how: GiveWell dedicates over twenty thousand hours a year to researching charitable organizations and hand-picks a few of the highest-impact, evidence-backed charities. Since 2010, GiveWell has helped over 50,000 donors direct over 500 million dollars to the most effective charities. Most importantly, these donations will save over 75,000 lives and improve the lives of millions more.

This year, support the charities that save and improve lives most, with GiveWell. Any of my listeners who become new GiveWell donors will have their first donation matched up to $250 when you go to GiveWell.org/Tim and select “PODCAST” and “Tim Ferriss” at checkout.

This episode is brought to you by Tonal! Tonal is the world’s most intelligent home gym and personal trainer. It is precision engineered and designed to be the world’s most advanced strength studio. Tonal uses breakthrough technology—like adaptive digital weights and A.I. learning—together with the best experts in resistance training so you get stronger, faster. Every program is personalized to your body using A.I., and smart features check your form in real time, just like a personal trainer.

Try Tonal , the world’s smartest home gym, for 30 days in your home, and if you don’t love it, you can return it for a full refund. Visit Tonal.com for $100 off their smart accessories when you use promo code TIM at checkout.

This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system.

Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES…

Want to learn more about metta (loving-kindness) meditation? Listen in on my conversation with Sharon Salzberg, the world-renowned teacher who wrote a book on the subject. We discuss self-compassion as a secret ingredient, mental frameworks, defusing anger, doing the good that’s in front of you, and much more.

#277: Sharon Salzberg, World-Renowned Meditation Teacherhttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/505397f9-8b1b-4747-b509-06cb97ab28f5.mp3 Download

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Leo Babauta:

Zen Habits | Twitter | Facebook

Books by Leo Babauta The Power of Less: Changing Behavior with Leo Babauta | The Tim Ferriss ShowZen, Tea, and the Art of Life Management | tim.blog10 Steps to Become an Email Ninja by Leo Babauta | tim.blogGuam | WikitravelI Tried to Quit & It’s Too Hard! | Zen Habits10 Tips for Quitting Smoking | Zen HabitsTips for Running Your First 5k Race | Verywell FitA Girl, A Shoe, A Prince: The Endlessly Evolving Cinderella | NPRHow Habits Are Formed | Zen HabitsHold Your Own Feet to the Fire | Zen HabitsWhat ‘Embrace the Suck’ Means to the Military | Military.comJim Dethmer — How to Shift from Victim Consciousness, Reduce Drama, Practice Candor, Be Fully Alive, and More | The Tim Ferriss ShowThe Brady Bunch | CBSLifehacker 43 Folders Dumb Little Man The List to Beat All Lists: Top 20 Productivity Lists to Rock Your Tasks | Zen HabitsThe 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy FerrissDigg Zen To Done (ZTD): The Simple Productivity System | Zen HabitsReddit Delicious (Website) | WikipediaFrom Geek to Freak: How I Gained 34 lbs. of Muscle in 4 Weeks | tim.blogPandemic Buying: The Odd, Comforting Things Americans Are Buying | CBS NewsJapanese Zen Buddhist Philosophy | Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyTribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Timothy FerrissZen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunyru SuzukiWhat Is Zen? Plain Talk for a Beginner’s Mind by Norman Fischer and Susan MoonThe Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts | San Francisco Zen CenterBrahmajāla Sūtra | WikipediaExodus 20: The 10 Commandments | Bible GatewayThe Beginner’s Guide to Unschooling | Zen HabitsCan Unschoolers Get Into College? | Blake Boles7 Colleges for Homeschooled, Unschooled, and Self-Directed Learners | Adorable ChaosThe Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education by Grace Llewellyn | ShikshantarBooks by Alfie Kohn How I’m Overcoming My Obsession with Constant Self-Improvement | Fast CompanyMetta (Loving-Kindness) Meditation | Metta InstituteJoy on Demand: The Art of Discovering the Happiness Within by Chade-Meng TanRadical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha by Tara BrachThe Coronavirus Makes The Future Uncertain. Here’s How To Cope | NPRThe Year of Living Uncertainly | The Atlantic

SHOW NOTES

Rewinding the clock, Leo shows us what his life was like in Guam circa 2005 and shares the catalyst that sparked the big life changes he’s made between then and now. [06:54]After trying to quit smoking seven times before, what made Leo’s eighth attempt stick? [12:15]Why the inevitable dip we experience when forming a habit is potentially the most important part of making it stick — if we absorb what it has to teach us in the moment rather than allowing it to derail our efforts. [15:40]Embracing the suck, putting mindfulness to work for us when the going gets tough, and the thought processes that led to Leo and his family of eight to move from Guam to San Francisco in 2010 — from a place of comfort surrounded by extended family to a somewhat jarring and alien landscape where they didn’t really know anyone. [17:56]When Leo started Zen Habits in January of 2007, how did he manage to expand its popularity from an audience of one (his wife) to thousands — and eventually millions — in a relatively short period of time? [25:42]In hindsight, what other forays into the productivity space and experimental tactics really helped launch Zen Habits into the blogging stratosphere between 2007 and 2009? What made Leo’s work stand out from the competition in this crowded arena? [31:47]What would Leo suggest to someone trying to simplify their life — especially during the anxiety-driving uncertainties of 2020? [38:10]How can we get better at saying no to overcommitments that unnecessarily complicate our lives? [40:37]What are some of the rules, constraints, and forms of accountability that Leo has found powerfully effective in his own life? [43:39]What resources would Leo recommend to someone curious about Zen Buddhism, what are some commonly mistaken preconceptions people have about it, and how has the practice been helpful to Leo in his own life? [45:06]What are the bodhisattva precepts, what vows has Leo considered taking, and what has motivated him to take them? And in spite of some surface similarities, how do these precepts differ from the 10 commandments most Westerners will find familiar? [48:23]How have Leo and his wife managed to homeschool — or, more accurately, unschool — six children, why did they choose this over other options for education, and what does unschooling look like? [53:06]Is unschooling an ideal preparation for potential entrepreneurs? Does it perhaps underprepare someone seeking to continue their education at a traditional university? [59:53]Resources Leo recommends for people who would like to learn more about homeschooling and unschooling along with common pitfalls and best practices? [1:02:47]What changes in life habits or new beliefs have had the greatest impact on Leo’s contentment, and what do they look like in practice? [1:03:40]Resources for people who want to delve further into metta (loving-kindness) meditation. [1:09:53]What compelled Leo to go through nine months of masculine practice training with John Wineland, and what did he take away from the experience? [1:11:16]A practical daily exercise Leo learned during this time, and some of his most surprising results. [1:14:32]Why this pandemic presents a unique opportunity to train ourselves to cope with uncertainty and anxiety, and how Leo proposes we can put this into practice. [1:17:07]Some bad news and good news from a Tibetan Buddhist master that might help you surf the chaos accompanied by less fear. [1:22:23]Parting thoughts. [1:24:46]

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Cinderella Jim Dethmer Shunryū Suzuki Norman Fischer Alfie Kohn Chade-Meng Tan Tara Brach David Deida John Wineland Chögyam Trungpa

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Published on December 21, 2020 08:20

Dr. Martine Rothblatt — A Masterclass on Asking Better Questions and Peering Into the Future (#487)

Illustration via 99designs

Identify the corridors of indifference and run like hell down them.
— Dr. Martine Rothblatt

Martine Rothblatt (@skybiome) is chairman and CEO of United Therapeutics, a biotechnology company she started to save the life of one of her daughters. The company offers FDA-approved medicines for pulmonary hypertension and neuroblastoma and is working on manufacturing an unlimited supply of transplantable organs.

Dr. Rothblatt previously created and led Sirius XM as its chairman and CEO and launched other satellite systems for navigation and international television broadcasting. In the field of aviation, her Sirius XM satellite system enhances safety with real-time digital weather information to pilots in flight nationwide. She also designed the world’s first electric helicopter and piloted it to a Guinness world record for speed, altitude, and flight duration.

In the legal arena, Dr. Rothblatt led efforts of the transgender community to establish their own health law standards and of the International Bar Association to protect autonomy rights in genetic information via an international treaty. She also published dozens of scholarly articles and papers on the law of outer space, resulting in her election to the International Institute of Space Law, and represented the radio astronomy community’s scientific research interests before the Federal Communications Commission.

She has bachelor’s (communications studies, summa cum laude), JD (Order of the Coif) and MBA degrees from UCLA, which in 2018 awarded her its highest recognition, the UCLA Medal, and she holds a PhD in medical ethics from the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Her patented inventions cover aspects of satellite communication, medicinal biochemistry, and cognitive software.

Dr. Rothblatt’s recent books are on xenotransplantation (Your Life or Mine), gender identity (Transgender to Transhuman), and cyberethics (Virtually Human). She occasionally posts on Instagram at @transbinary and Twitter at @skybiome.

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Brought to you by FreshBooks cloud-based small business accounting software, Headspace easy-to-use app with guided meditations, and Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement. More on all three below.

The transcript of this episode can be found here. Transcripts of all episodes can be found here.

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#487: Dr. Martine Rothblatt — The Incredible Polymath of Polymathshttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/af8b3566-2f37-4a85-afb2-bc7228cf1181.mp3 Download

This episode is brought to you by FreshBooks. I’ve been talking about FreshBooks—an all-in-one invoicing + payments + accounting solution—for years now. Many entrepreneurs, as well as the contractors and freelancers that I work with, use it all the time.

FreshBooks makes it super easy to track things like expenses, project time, and client info and then merge it all into great-looking invoices. FreshBooks can save users up to 200 hours a year on accounting and bookkeeping tasks. Right now FreshBooks is offering my listeners a free 30-day trial, and no credit card is required. Go to FreshBooks.com/Tim and enter “Tim Ferriss” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!

This episode is brought to you by Headspace! Headspace is your daily dose of mindfulness in the form of guided meditations in an easy-to-use app. Whatever the situation, Headspace can help you feel better. Overwhelmed? Headspace has a 3-minute SOS meditation for you. Need some help falling asleep? Headspace has wind-down sessions their members swear by. And for parents, Headspace even has morning meditations you can do with your kids. Headspace’s approach to mindfulness can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost focus, and increase your overall sense of well-being.

Go to Headspace.com/Tim for a FREE one-month trial with access to Headspace’s full library of meditations for every situation.

This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system.

Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES…

Want to hear another episode with someone who took a lightning bolt to her soul for science? Listen to my conversation with Columbia physics and astronomy professor Janna Levin, in which we discuss youthful indiscretion, omnivorous reading, Möbius strips, philosophy 101, UFOs, and much more.

#445: Janna Levin on Extra Dimensions, Time Travel, and How to Overcome Boots in the Facehttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/6c86cddb-7d41-471c-a58a-20bafc7ef516.mp3 Download

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Martine Rothblatt:

Twitter | Instagram

United Therapeutics Your Life or Mine How Geoethics Can Resolvethe Conflict Between Publicand Private Interests in Xenotransplantation by Martine RothblattFrom Transgender to Transhuman: A Manifesto On the Freedom Of Form by Martine RothblattVirtually Human: The Promise―and the Peril―of Digital Immortality by Martine RothblattThe Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan WattsHer | Prime VideoBINA48 Meets Bina Rothblatt, Part One | The LifeNaut ProjectBINA48 Meets Bina Rothblatt, Part Two | The LifeNaut ProjectAbraham Lincoln Full Speech, Hall Of Presidents, Disney World | MouseStepsMost Powerful Moment In Black Mirror: Be Right Back | BrainPilotUpload | Prime VideoStranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. HeinleinTime Enough for Love by Robert A. HeinleinUCLA Children’s National Hospital Shepard’s Citations | WikipediaDoing Well | Barron’sSiriusXM What Is a Satellite? | NASAIndian Ocean Station | WikipediaCosmos: A Personal Voyage | WikipediaThe Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. KuhnParable of the Sower by Octavia E. ButlerParable of the Talents by Octavia E. ButlerAnthony Fauci: ‘We Are Living in the Perfect Storm’ | Financial TimesTransgender FAQ | GLAADWhat Is Trans and What Does Non-binary Mean? | PinkNewsLGBTQ+ Terms and Definitions | TSERThe Human Genome Project in 2020 Hindsight | GENInternational Bar Association (IBA)Consent and Autonomy in the Genomics Era | Current Genetic Medicine ReportsDr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America | The Tim Ferriss Show #469Little People of Ecuador: Laron Syndrome May Unlock Cancer, Diabetes Cure | NBC NewsLaron Syndrome | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) | NIHGeneration of a Miniature Pig Disease Model for Human Laron Syndrome | Scientific ReportsA CEO Who Wants to Genetically Modify Pig Organs for Human Transplant | CNBCNorthwell Health National Geographic Scientific American Electronic Medicine Fights Disease | Scientific American9 Fascinating Facts About the Vagus Nerve | Mental FlossVagus Nerve Stimulation | Mayo ClinicCrohn’s Disease Symptoms and Causes | Mayo ClinicIrritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Causes | Mayo ClinicRheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Causes | Mayo Clinic11 Fun Facts About the Nervous System | Healthline(PDF) Auricular Acupuncture and Vagal Regulation | Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative MedicineTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) | Johns HopkinsWhat is Alzheimer’s Disease? | alz.orgES2528029T3: Cognitive Enabler for Alzheimer’s Disease | Google PatentsEEG & ECG Biosensor Solutions | NeuroSkyAlive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory | Prime VideoMartine Rothblatt: She Founded SiriusXM, a Religion, and a Biotech. For Starters. | The Washington PostYamaha Music School Shabbat 101 | My Jewish LearningZoom Google Meet The Emotion Machine: Commonsense Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of the Human Mind by Marvin MinskyWhat Are Clarke’s Laws? | ThoughtCo.Neuralink Positive and Negative Liberty | Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyIs It Time for a Presidential Technoethics Commission? | The ConversationAmerican Medical Association Thomas Eakins, The Gross Clinic and The Agnew Clinic | SmarthistoryClimate Change: 12 Years to Save the Planet? Make That 18 Months | BBC NewsIs Nuclear Power Zero-Emission? No, but It Isn’t High-Emission Either | The ConversationUnited Therapeutics’ Office, the Unisphere, Is a Net-Zero Marvel | Fast CompanyRecord-Breaking “Dream Team” Proves Doubters Wrong with Electric Helicopter Achievement | Guinness World RecordsThe Real Story Behind Apple’s ‘Think Different’ Campaign | Forbes

SHOW NOTES

Note from the editor: Timestamps will be added shortly.

Why is Martine such a fan of Alan Watts and his exploration about what it means to be human, The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are?Did Martine find the movie Her to be a compelling presentation of how artificial sentience and human beings might coexist?Who or what is BINA48? Does Martine think we’re anywhere near achieving convincingly realized simulations of humans as seen in Black Mirror season two, episode one Be Right Back?Growing up, who did Martine count as her role models and inspirations?How did Martine start a biotechnology company to save the life of one of her daughters in spite of only having taken biology in high school? What did it take to even comprehend the scope of such an endeavor, and what was the journey that made it a reality?What were the three incorrect assumptions pharmaceutical company Glaxo Wellcome made in not pursuing production of the drug from which Martine’s company has since made billions of dollars?When did Martine first fall in love with the satellite communication systems that would lead to the creation of satellite radio company SiriusXM?What can we do to cultivate more scientific literacy in our society? Are there any resources Martine would recommend to someone looking to increase their own fluency in science? What one-word question fires the imagination of curious adults as well as any four-year-old?Coming out as transgender at age 40, how did Martine relate to gender in her younger years? How did her American predisposition to question authority play into this?What does Martine mean when she says she didn’t identify as strictly male or female, and how might this be expressed by others going through similar, but not necessarily identical journeys of self-discovery?What were the biggest decisions Martine made along her gradual path of transition?Now that we can map the human genome, Martine elaborates on the need for an international treaty to guarantee autonomy rights and genetic information protections.How an isolated population in South America relates to Martine’s efforts to make the shortage of transplantable organs (like hearts, livers, and kidneys) a thing of the past.What is the vagus nerve, and how is United Therapeutics attempting to manipulate it for the purpose of therapy in conditions such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis? How do recent discoveries in this area of research lend credibility to ancient therapies like acupuncture?Martine talks about her patent for an Alzheimer’s cognitive enabler and what inspired its invention, and I recommend a documentary for people curious about how music can act as therapy for people in even the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.How did the family practice of “love nights” come about in the Rothblatt household? How is it observed now that Martine’s children have grown up and have households of their own in a year when COVID keeps everyone from coming together physically? What have been some of the most unique answers to the question “What does love mean to you?” and how might you answer this?Does Martine believe it will be possible for machines to someday understand and experience what love means in the same way we do? If so, when might we expect the breakthrough that will make this possible?For Martine, what are some of the most important ethical questions or considerations related to technology as we move into future decades?What common contemporary practices does Martine think future generations will view as barbaric or backward?Against popular projections that such a thing wouldn’t be possible on a grand scale until 2050 (or so) how did United Therapeutics build a zero carbon footprint headquarters in 2019?Elevating the “Reduce, reuse, recycle” slogan to a new level, how does United Therapeutics refurbish lungs deemed unusable — a process that has so far saved over 150 lives?“Identify the corridors of indifference and run like hell down them.” Why United Therapeutics didn’t hop on immediate efforts to create a COVID-19 vaccine, but opts instead to develop therapies for people suffering from the long-term effects of the virus.What would Martine’s billboard say?Martine’s advice for people who struggle to find the positives in life.Parting thoughts.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Alan Watts Frank Sasinowski Teilhard de Chardin Bina Rothblatt BINA48 Robert A. Heinlein Virginia Heinlein Lazarus Long Robert Kennedy Bob Bell John Vane Carl Sagan Thomas Kuhn Isaac Newton Albert Einstein James Clerk Maxwell Octavia Butler Tony Fauci Paul Revere Prince Boy George Craig Venter Francis Collins Zvi Laron Kevin Tracey Marvin Minsky Arthur C. Clarke Elon Musk Ray Kurzweil Isaiah Berlin Samuel D. Gross Thomas Eakins David Hayes Agnew Joseph Lister Jack Welch Steve Jobs

View more on Timothy Ferriss's website »

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Published on December 16, 2020 11:14

Dr. Martine Rothblatt — The Incredible Polymath of Polymaths (#487)

Illustration via 99designs

Identify the corridors of indifference and run like hell down them.
— Dr. Martine Rothblatt

Martine Rothblatt (@skybiome) is chairman and CEO of United Therapeutics, a biotechnology company she started to save the life of one of her daughters. The company offers FDA-approved medicines for pulmonary hypertension and neuroblastoma and is working on manufacturing an unlimited supply of transplantable organs.

Dr. Rothblatt previously created and led Sirius XM as its chairman and CEO and launched other satellite systems for navigation and international television broadcasting. In the field of aviation, her Sirius XM satellite system enhances safety with real-time digital weather information to pilots in flight nationwide. She also designed the world’s first electric helicopter and piloted it to a Guinness world record for speed, altitude, and flight duration.

In the legal arena, Dr. Rothblatt led efforts of the transgender community to establish their own health law standards and of the International Bar Association to protect autonomy rights in genetic information via an international treaty. She also published dozens of scholarly articles and papers on the law of outer space, resulting in her election to the International Institute of Space Law, and represented the radio astronomy community’s scientific research interests before the Federal Communications Commission.

She has bachelor’s (communications studies, summa cum laude), JD (Order of the Coif) and MBA degrees from UCLA, which in 2018 awarded her its highest recognition, the UCLA Medal, and she holds a PhD in medical ethics from the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Her patented inventions cover aspects of satellite communication, medicinal biochemistry, and cognitive software.

Dr. Rothblatt’s recent books are on xenotransplantation (Your Life or Mine), gender identity (Transgender to Transhuman), and cyberethics (Virtually Human). She occasionally posts on Instagram at @transbinary and Twitter at @skybiome.

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Brought to you by FreshBooks cloud-based small business accounting software, Headspace easy-to-use app with guided meditations, and Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement. More on all three below.

Listen onApple Podcasts

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[image error]Listen onOvercast

#487: Dr. Martine Rothblatt — The Incredible Polymath of Polymaths
https://rss.art19.com/episodes/af8b3566-2f37-4a85-afb2-bc7228cf1181.mp3 Download

This episode is brought to you by FreshBooks. I’ve been talking about FreshBooks—an all-in-one invoicing + payments + accounting solution—for years now. Many entrepreneurs, as well as the contractors and freelancers that I work with, use it all the time.

FreshBooks makes it super easy to track things like expenses, project time, and client info and then merge it all into great-looking invoices. FreshBooks can save users up to 200 hours a year on accounting and bookkeeping tasks. Right now FreshBooks is offering my listeners a free 30-day trial, and no credit card is required. Go to FreshBooks.com/Tim and enter “Tim Ferriss” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!

This episode is brought to you by Headspace! Headspace is your daily dose of mindfulness in the form of guided meditations in an easy-to-use app. Whatever the situation, Headspace can help you feel better. Overwhelmed? Headspace has a 3-minute SOS meditation for you. Need some help falling asleep? Headspace has wind-down sessions their members swear by. And for parents, Headspace even has morning meditations you can do with your kids. Headspace’s approach to mindfulness can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost focus, and increase your overall sense of well-being.

Go to Headspace.com/Tim for a FREE one-month trial with access to Headspace’s full library of meditations for every situation.

This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system.

Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES…

Want to hear another episode with someone who took a lightning bolt to her soul for science? Listen to my conversation with Columbia physics and astronomy professor Janna Levin, in which we discuss youthful indiscretion, omnivorous reading, Möbius strips, philosophy 101, UFOs, and much more.

#445: Janna Levin on Extra Dimensions, Time Travel, and How to Overcome Boots in the Facehttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/6c86cddb-7d41-471c-a58a-20bafc7ef516.mp3 Download

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Martine Rothblatt:

Twitter | Instagram

United Therapeutics Your Life or Mine How Geoethics Can Resolvethe Conflict Between Publicand Private Interests in Xenotransplantation by Martine RothblattFrom Transgender to Transhuman: A Manifesto On the Freedom Of Form by Martine RothblattVirtually Human: The Promise―and the Peril―of Digital Immortality by Martine RothblattThe Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan WattsHer | Prime VideoBINA48 Meets Bina Rothblatt, Part One | The LifeNaut ProjectBINA48 Meets Bina Rothblatt, Part Two | The LifeNaut ProjectAbraham Lincoln Full Speech, Hall Of Presidents, Disney World | MouseStepsMost Powerful Moment In Black Mirror: Be Right Back | BrainPilotUpload | Prime VideoStranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. HeinleinTime Enough for Love by Robert A. HeinleinUCLA Children’s National Hospital Shepard’s Citations | WikipediaDoing Well | Barron’sSiriusXM What Is a Satellite? | NASAIndian Ocean Station | WikipediaCosmos: A Personal Voyage | WikipediaThe Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. KuhnParable of the Sower by Octavia E. ButlerParable of the Talents by Octavia E. ButlerAnthony Fauci: ‘We Are Living in the Perfect Storm’ | Financial TimesTransgender FAQ | GLAADWhat Is Trans and What Does Non-binary Mean? | PinkNewsLGBTQ+ Terms and Definitions | TSERThe Human Genome Project in 2020 Hindsight | GENInternational Bar Association (IBA)Consent and Autonomy in the Genomics Era | Current Genetic Medicine ReportsDr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America | The Tim Ferriss Show #469Little People of Ecuador: Laron Syndrome May Unlock Cancer, Diabetes Cure | NBC NewsLaron Syndrome | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) | NIHGeneration of a Miniature Pig Disease Model for Human Laron Syndrome | Scientific ReportsA CEO Who Wants to Genetically Modify Pig Organs for Human Transplant | CNBCNorthwell Health National Geographic Scientific American Electronic Medicine Fights Disease | Scientific American9 Fascinating Facts About the Vagus Nerve | Mental FlossVagus Nerve Stimulation | Mayo ClinicCrohn’s Disease Symptoms and Causes | Mayo ClinicIrritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Causes | Mayo ClinicRheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Causes | Mayo Clinic11 Fun Facts About the Nervous System | Healthline(PDF) Auricular Acupuncture and Vagal Regulation | Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative MedicineTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) | Johns HopkinsWhat is Alzheimer’s Disease? | alz.orgES2528029T3: Cognitive Enabler for Alzheimer’s Disease | Google PatentsEEG & ECG Biosensor Solutions | NeuroSkyAlive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory | Prime VideoMartine Rothblatt: She Founded SiriusXM, a Religion, and a Biotech. For Starters. | The Washington PostYamaha Music School Shabbat 101 | My Jewish LearningZoom Google Meet The Emotion Machine: Commonsense Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of the Human Mind by Marvin MinskyWhat Are Clarke’s Laws? | ThoughtCo.Neuralink Positive and Negative Liberty | Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyIs It Time for a Presidential Technoethics Commission? | The ConversationAmerican Medical Association Thomas Eakins, The Gross Clinic and The Agnew Clinic | SmarthistoryClimate Change: 12 Years to Save the Planet? Make That 18 Months | BBC NewsIs Nuclear Power Zero-Emission? No, but It Isn’t High-Emission Either | The ConversationUnited Therapeutics’ Office, the Unisphere, Is a Net-Zero Marvel | Fast CompanyRecord-Breaking “Dream Team” Proves Doubters Wrong with Electric Helicopter Achievement | Guinness World RecordsThe Real Story Behind Apple’s ‘Think Different’ Campaign | Forbes

SHOW NOTES

Note from the editor: Timestamps will be added shortly.

Why is Martine such a fan of Alan Watts and his exploration about what it means to be human, The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are?Did Martine find the movie Her to be a compelling presentation of how artificial sentience and human beings might coexist?Who or what is BINA48? Does Martine think we’re anywhere near achieving convincingly realized simulations of humans as seen in Black Mirror season two, episode one Be Right Back?Growing up, who did Martine count as her role models and inspirations?How did Martine start a biotechnology company to save the life of one of her daughters in spite of only having taken biology in high school? What did it take to even comprehend the scope of such an endeavor, and what was the journey that made it a reality?What were the three incorrect assumptions pharmaceutical company Glaxo Wellcome made in not pursuing production of the drug from which Martine’s company has since made billions of dollars?When did Martine first fall in love with the satellite communication systems that would lead to the creation of satellite radio company SiriusXM?What can we do to cultivate more scientific literacy in our society? Are there any resources Martine would recommend to someone looking to increase their own fluency in science? What one-word question fires the imagination of curious adults as well as any four-year-old?Coming out as transgender at age 40, how did Martine relate to gender in her younger years? How did her American predisposition to question authority play into this?What does Martine mean when she says she didn’t identify as strictly male or female, and how might this be expressed by others going through similar, but not necessarily identical journeys of self-discovery?What were the biggest decisions Martine made along her gradual path of transition?Now that we can map the human genome, Martine elaborates on the need for an international treaty to guarantee autonomy rights and genetic information protections.How an isolated population in South America relates to Martine’s efforts to make the shortage of transplantable organs (like hearts, livers, and kidneys) a thing of the past.What is the vagus nerve, and how is United Therapeutics attempting to manipulate it for the purpose of therapy in conditions such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis? How do recent discoveries in this area of research lend credibility to ancient therapies like acupuncture?Martine talks about her patent for an Alzheimer’s cognitive enabler and what inspired its invention, and I recommend a documentary for people curious about how music can act as therapy for people in even the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.How did the family practice of “love nights” come about in the Rothblatt household? How is it observed now that Martine’s children have grown up and have households of their own in a year when COVID keeps everyone from coming together physically? What have been some of the most unique answers to the question “What does love mean to you?” and how might you answer this?Does Martine believe it will be possible for machines to someday understand and experience what love means in the same way we do? If so, when might we expect the breakthrough that will make this possible?For Martine, what are some of the most important ethical questions or considerations related to technology as we move into future decades?What common contemporary practices does Martine think future generations will view as barbaric or backward?Against popular projections that such a thing wouldn’t be possible on a grand scale until 2050 (or so) how did United Therapeutics build a zero carbon footprint headquarters in 2019?Elevating the “Reduce, reuse, recycle” slogan to a new level, how does United Therapeutics refurbish lungs deemed unusable — a process that has so far saved over 150 lives?“Identify the corridors of indifference and run like hell down them.” Why United Therapeutics didn’t hop on immediate efforts to create a COVID-19 vaccine, but opts instead to develop therapies for people suffering from the long-term effects of the virus.What would Martine’s billboard say?Martine’s advice for people who struggle to find the positives in life.Parting thoughts.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Alan Watts Frank Sasinowski Teilhard de Chardin Bina Rothblatt BINA48 Robert A. Heinlein Virginia Heinlein Lazarus Long Robert Kennedy Bob Bell John Vane Carl Sagan Thomas Kuhn Isaac Newton Albert Einstein James Clerk Maxwell Octavia Butler Tony Fauci Paul Revere Prince Boy George Craig Venter Francis Collins Zvi Laron Kevin Tracey Marvin Minsky Arthur C. Clarke Elon Musk Ray Kurzweil Isaiah Berlin Samuel D. Gross Thomas Eakins David Hayes Agnew Joseph Lister Jack Welch Steve Jobs

View more on Timothy Ferriss's website »

2 likes · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 16, 2020 11:14

Harley Finkelstein — Tactics and Strategies from Shopify, the Future of Retail, and More (#486)

Illustration via 99designs

I’m fascinated with how people find ambition, keep ambition, increase ambition, and unfortunately, as well, lose ambition.
— Harley Finkelstein

Harley Finkelstein (@harleyf) is an entrepreneur, lawyer, and the President of Shopify. He founded his first company at age 17 while a student at McGill. Harley is an advisor to Felicis Ventures, and he is one of the “dragons” on CBC’s Next Gen Den. In 2017, he received the Canadian Angel Investor of the Year award and Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 award, and in 2016 he was inducted into the Order of Ottawa. From 2014 to 2017 Harley was on the board of the C100, and from 2017 to 2020 he was on to the board of directors of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Brought to you by LinkedIn Jobs recruitment platform with 700M+ users, LMNT electrolyte supplement, and ExpressVPN virtual private network service. More on all three below.

Listen onApple Podcasts

[image error]Listen onSpotify

[image error]Listen onOvercast

#486: Harley Finkelstein — Tactics and Strategies from Shopify, The Future of Retail, and More
https://rss.art19.com/episodes/8616d415-ccf2-4a62-8551-b1309f089cdc.mp3 Download

This episode is brought to you by LMNT! What is LMNT? It’s a delicious, sugar-free electrolyte drink-mix. I’ve stocked up on boxes and boxes of this and usually use it 1–2 times per day. LMNT is formulated to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and perfectly suited to folks following a keto, low-carb, or Paleo diet. If you are on a low-carb diet or fasting, electrolytes play a key role in relieving hunger, cramps, headaches, tiredness, and dizziness.

LMNT came up with a very special offer for you, my dear listeners. They’ve created Tim’s Club: Simply go to DrinkLMNT.com/Tim, select “Subscribe and Save,” and use promo code TIMSCLUB to get the 30-count box of LMNT for only $36. This will be valid for the lifetime of the subscription, and you can pause it anytime.

This episode is brought to you by LinkedIn Jobs. Whether you are looking to hire now for a critical role or thinking about needs that you may have in the future, LinkedIn Jobs can help. LinkedIn screens candidates for the hard and soft skills you’re looking for and puts your job in front of candidates looking for job opportunities that match what you have to offer.

Using LinkedIn’s active community of more than 722 million professionals worldwide, LinkedIn Jobs can help you find and hire the right person faster. When your business is ready to make that next hire, find the right person with LinkedIn Jobs. You can pay what you want and get $50 off your first job. Just visit LinkedIn.com/Tim.

This episode is brought to you by ExpressVPN. I’ve been using ExpressVPN to make sure that my data is secure and encrypted, without slowing my Internet speed. If you ever use public Wi-Fi at, say, a hotel or a coffee shop, where I often work and as many of my listeners do, you’re often sending data over an open network, meaning no encryption at all.

A great way to ensure that all of your data is encrypted and can’t be easily read by hackers is by using ExpressVPN. All you need to do is download the ExpressVPN app on your computer or smartphone and then use the Internet just as you normally would. You click one button in the ExpressVPN app to secure 100% of your network data. Use my link ExpressVPN.com/Tim today and get an extra three months free on a one-year package!

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES…

Want to hear an episode with Shopify’s founder and CEO? Check out my conversation with Tobi Lütke, in which we discuss feedback as a gift, fostering a growth mindset, the impact of dyslexia on Tobi’s reading list and coding endeavors, understanding “the next box,” why the business world should be keeping a close eye on the video game industry, Enneagrams, and much more.

#359: Tobi Lütke — From Snowboard Shop to Billion-Dollar Companyhttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/b4c1d67d-0bb9-47bf-b4a7-2324447e17bd.mp3 Download

DISCLAIMER: I own stock in Shopify. I was not compensated in any way to have Shopify represented on the program or to talk about my reasons for investing in Shopify. I may financially benefit if Shopify’s stock goes up in value. I am not an investment adviser. All opinions are mine alone. There are risks involved in placing an investment in any company. None of the information presented today is intended to form the basis for any offer or recommendation, or have any regard to the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific person.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Harley Finkelstein:

Website | Twitter | Instagram

Connect with Shopify:

Shopify | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Next Gen Den | CBCAllbirds Bombas Gymshark Fashion Nova High Output Management by Andrew S. GroveThe Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben HorowitzAntifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas TalebThe Alchemist:A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo CoelhoThe 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy FerrissWhat is Tall Poppy Syndrome? | The Tallest PoppyOttawa, ON | CanadaQuébec Referendum (1995) | The Canadian EncyclopediaMontréal. QC | CanadaQuebec Anglophones under Attack and Fear Worse Is Yet to Come from New CAQ Government | The Globe and MailMcGill University The Truth Behind the “Schmatta” Business | IrenebrinationAmerican Apparel Parasuco What Is an Economic Moat? | InvestopediaDownton Abbey | Prime VideoUniversity of Ottawa What Is the Socratic Method? | ThoughtCo.When Is an MBA Worth It? | InvestopediaSocrates in 90 Minutes by Paul StrathernWittgenstein in 90 Minutes by Paul StrathernPlato in 90 Minutes by Paul StrathernPlato in 90 Minutes by Paul StrathernDialectic | WikipediaThe Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. WhiteMoot Court | WikipediaOn Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William ZinsserHere’s What Stephen King Has to Say About The Elements Of Style | The Reading RoomDraft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPheeDune by Frank HerbertChief Operating Officer (COO) Definition | InvestopediaShopify Launches Build a Business Competition | ShopifyInvest Ottawa Bridgehead Coffee TravelPod: 20 Years of Epic Adventures Messenger Kids Getaround FluidSurveys | CrunchbaseFellow Snowdevil Ruby on Rails Zappos The Dark Knight | Prime VideoGoogle Ads How to Become a Lawyer in Canada | LawyerEDU.orgWhat does Series-A, Series-B, Series-C Funding Mean in Startups? | Startup FreakBessemer’s Ten Laws for SaaS Companies | Velocity PartnersByWard Market Felicis Ventures FirstMark Capital Rovio Angry Birds RailsConf 2020 Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey MooreOne Waan | San Francisco Nike Inc.’s Unique Vision Statement and Its 11 Maxims | The Balance Small BusinessShopify, a Start-Up, Starts Its Own Business Competition | The New York TimesShopify Announces Build a Business Competition Winners | ShopifyMaker of iPad Cases Wins Shopify Competition (and $100,000) | The New York TimesDODOcase, Inc.Barack Obama iPad in DODOcase | HuffPostShopify Announces Winners of Inaugural Build a BIGGER Business Competition | Business WireIf You Invested $10,000 in Shopify’s IPO, This Is How Much Money You’d Have Now | The Motley FoolBarneys Is Sold for Scrap, Ending an Era | The New York TimesJ.Crew Nick Kokonas on Resurrecting Restaurants, Skin in the Game, and Investing | The Tim Ferriss Show #429Chipotle Farmers Market | Chipotle Mexican GrillHeinz Sauces & Condiments Shopify Suspends Guidance for 2020 Amid Coronavirus Pandemic | The Motley FoolTrust Battery | SessionLabIntegral Coaching Method | Integral Coaching CanadaMossad The Tim Ferriss Radio Hour: Meditation, Mindset, and Mastery | The Tim Ferriss Show #2019 Types of Meditation: Which One Is Right for You? | HealthlineInsight Timer Transcendental Meditation Jack Kornfield — Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy in the Present | The Tim Ferriss Show #300Sharon Salzberg, World-Renowned Meditation Teacher | The Tim Ferriss Show #277Stripe FUBU I Quit! | Discovery Shark Tank | ABC Preventing Burnout: A Cautionary Tale by Charlie Hoehn | tim.blogThe Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World’s Most Successful People Launched Their Careers by Alex BanayanShoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil KnightOpen: An Autobiography by Andre AgassiFinite and Infinite Games by James Carse

SHOW NOTES

For anyone not in the know, what is Shopify, and how does Harley envision it scaling to become the entrepreneurship company? [06:50]What books have been most formative for Harley in his business journey with Shopify? What books has he gifted the most to other people? [09:37]How much has Shopify grown during the time in which I’ve known Harley? [14:00]How did Harley wind up moving from Montreal to South Florida and back to Montreal again, who is Phillip Rimer, and what part does he play in Harley’s story? [19:14]As someone who went to law school not to become a lawyer, but become a more effective entrepreneur, what were Harley’s most valuable takeaways from the experience? [28:37]How did Harley most effectively play along with the Socratic method in law school, and how did he bypass the need to absorb 1,200 pages of case study? [33:18]How would Harley design a curriculum that would convey the lessons he learned in law school without the need to actually go to law school, and which texts might I add to the list of required reading? [37:38]I give one must-read fiction recommendation to the guy who’s just now reading a work of fiction for the first time in his life. [43:07]What does Harley’s job at Shopify as COO actually entail, and how does annual re-qualification work there? [43:49]Who is Tobi Lütke, and how did he and Harley meet? [45:47]How did Harley get licensing agreements that made him competetive — as a nobody law student selling t-shirts — with monolithic companies like Walmart? [53:26]How did Harley become the proprietor of Shopify Store 136? [56:06]What were the early days of investment fundraising for Shopify like? [59:44]How I met Tobi and Harley, and the piece of advice I gave them that they took to heart. [1:06:33]On formulating the Build a Business competition that differentiated Shopify from the competition — even if the projected price tag seemed a bit steep at the time. [1:08:06]How the winner of year one’s Build a Business competition helped rejuvinate a dying industry and accessorize a US president, and how year two was designed to differentiate Shopify even further. [1:15:32]What impact have the multi-pronged surprises of 2020 had on retail, and what does Harley see for the future of the industry as a result — particularly ecommerce — that others might be missing? [1:17:55]My own observations about ecommerce adaptations during 2020. [1:26:47]Harley explains how Shopify is “arming the rebels,” and why ecommerce is poised to help support local communities, small businesses, and independent brands — especially during tough times. [1:29:46]How are coaches used at Shopify, what makes some coaches more effective than others in the context of the company culture, and what does it mean when Harley says leadership has to “requalify” for their jobs every year? [1:31:38]What does time with a coach at Shopify typically look like, how does Shopify’s post-coach era compare with its pre-coach era, and what does Shopify’s “trust battery” ultimately empower? [1:38:55]Naming coaching as “one of the top three or four things” that he’s done, what are some of those other things that have moved the needle for Harley? [1:42:46]After trying several “flavors” of meditation that didn’t really work for him, what variety does Harley find effective? [1:44:49]On the importance of blocking out time for family and loved ones (and sometimes just yourself) when an otherwise busy schedule might inadvertendly elbow them out of the picture. [1:47:22]What contemporary C-suite executives does Harley most admire as examples, and what is his unique approach to seeking out the most valuable advice from mentors? [1:50:10]Why you never want to “entice” a busy, potential mentor-level person with these words: “May I take you to coffee and pick your brain?” (And some advice for how you might get better results.) [1:54:56]Influential and thought-provoking biographies. [1:56:33]“Nice guys finish last” is not a truism, and other parting thoughts. [2:00:09]

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Andrew Grove Ben Horowitz Nassim Nicholas Taleb Tobi Lütke Philip Rimer Lindsay Taub Warren Buffett Peter Thiel Chris Sacca Socrates Ludwig Wittgenstein Plato William Strunk Jr.E.B. White William Zinsser John McPhee Paulo Coelho Frank Herbert Mother Goose Luc Levesque Sam Zaid Aydin Mirzaee Fiona McKean Batman Cody DeBacker Daniel Weinand John Phillips Aydin Senkut Amish Jani Geoffrey Moore Larry Page Barack Obama Seth Godin Gary Vaynerchuk Richard Branson Tony Robbins Marie Forleo Debbie Sterling Tina Eisenberg Ben Francis Cody Fauser Cam Gregg Deb Thompson Jack Kornfield Sharon Salzberg David Gandelman Sarah Blondin Bob Iger Phil Knight Patrick Collison John Collison Ben Silbermann Chase Jarvis Daymond John LL Cool J Charlie Hoehn J.R. Moehringer Andre Agassi

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Published on December 09, 2020 13:03

Jerry Seinfeld — A Comedy Legend’s Systems, Routines, and Methods for Success (#485)

Brought to you by 99designs

Pain is knowledge rushing in to fill a void with great speed.
— Jerry Seinfeld

Entertainment icon Jerry Seinfeld’s (@jerryseinfeld) comedy career took off after his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1981. Eight years later, he teamed up with fellow comedian Larry David to create what was to become the most successful comedy series in the history of television: Seinfeld. The show ran on NBC for nine seasons, winning numerous Emmy, Golden Globe, and People’s Choice awards, and was named the greatest television show of all time in 2009 by TV Guide and in 2012 was identified as the best sitcom ever in a 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll.

Seinfeld made his Netflix debut with the original stand-up special Jerry Before Seinfeld along with his Emmy-nominated and critically acclaimed web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which has garnered over 100 million views and which The New York Times describes as “impressively complex and artful” and Variety calls “a game-changer.” His latest stand-up special, 23 Hours To Kill, was released by Netflix earlier this year.

He is also the author of Is This Anything?, which features his best work across five decades in comedy.

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Brought to you by Wealthfront automated investing, Oura smart ring wearable for personalized sleep and health insights, and Rokform rugged cases for iPhone and Galaxy,. More on all three below.

Listen onApple Podcasts

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#485: Jerry Seinfeld — A Comedy Legend’s Systems, Routines, and Methods for Success
https://rss.art19.com/episodes/f1711092-902e-4a12-ab25-1a829659bc86.mp3 Download

This episode is brought to you by Oura! Oura is the company behind the smart ring that delivers personalized sleep and health insights to help you optimize just about everything. I’ve been using it religiously for at least six months, and I was introduced to it by Dr. Peter Attia. It is the only wearable that I wear on a daily basis.

With advanced sensors, Oura packs state-of-the-art heart rate, heart-rate variability, temperature, activity, and sleep monitoring technology into a convenient, non-invasive ring. It weighs less than 6 grams and focuses on three key insights—sleep, readiness, and activity.

Try it for yourself. The Oura Ring comes in two styles and three colors: Silver, Black, and Matte Black. For $299, you can give or get the gift of health by visiting OuraRing.com.

This episode is brought to you by Rokform! Rokform is the active lifestyle iPhone and Galaxy protective case company. Their protection is beyond great, with thousands of 5-star reviews and customer testimonials—or “Survival Stories” as Rokform calls them—that include a drop from the upper deck of a baseball stadium and a 75-foot cellphone tower fall.

Rokform’s rugged cases have been called the Swiss Army Knives of phone cases due to a versatile design that allows you to use your iPhone or Galaxy phone in ways you never thought possible. Each case is built around an integrated magnet that is completely safe for your phone. The magnet allows you to instantly attach your device to any magnetic surface—toolboxes, file cabinets, refrigerators, golf carts, you name it. The Tim Ferriss Show listeners — that’s you! — get 25% off at Rokform.com when you use promo code TIM.

This episode is brought to you by Wealthfront! Wealthfront pioneered the automated investing movement, sometimes referred to as ‘robo-advising,’ and they currently oversee $20 billion of assets for their clients. It takes about three minutes to sign up, and then Wealthfront will build you a globally diversified portfolio of ETFs based on your risk appetite and manage it for you at an incredibly low cost.

Smart investing should not feel like a rollercoaster ride. Let the professionals do the work for you. Go to Wealthfront.com/Tim and open a Wealthfront account today, and you’ll get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life. Wealthfront will automate your investments for the long term. Get started today at Wealthfront.com/Tim.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES…

Want to hear another episode with a comedian who embraces the “just work” philosophy? Check out my conversation with Jerrod Carmichael, in which we discuss the benefits of being a creature of habit, common comedian mistakes, good versus great comedians, achieving zero fear, overcoming writer’s block, the wisdom of cliches, and much more.

#222: Jerrod Carmichael — Uber-Productivity and Dangerous Comedyhttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/9403dea1-40de-42e9-a842-c6315f1fe0b2.mp3 Download

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Jerry Seinfeld:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Is This Anything? by Jerry SeinfeldSeinfeld | Sony Pictures EntertainmentJerry Seinfeld | NetflixComedians in Cars Getting Coffee | Netflix23 Hours to Kill | NetflixThe Last Laugh: The World of Stand-Up Comics by Phil BergerWhat I’ve Learned (Best Of) | EsquireAlbert Brooks’ Famous School for Comedians | EsquireJerry Seinfeld Is Making Peace With Nothing: He’s ‘Post-Show Business’ | The New York TimesNeil Gaiman — The Interview I’ve Waited 20 Years to Do | The Tim Ferriss Show #366Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian, Innovator, Micromanager | Harvard Business ReviewWhy The Beatles Broke Up | Rolling StoneMy Cyborg Ear: How a Surgeon and Titanium Cured My Lifelong Deafness | GizmodoThe Black Stallion | Prime VideoTranscendental Meditation (TM)Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength by Bill Phillips and Michael D’OrsoAn Officer and a Gentleman | Prime VideoLaird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie) | The Tim Ferriss Show #89Hugh Jackman on Best Decisions, Daily Routines, The 85% Rule, Favorite Exercises, Mind Training, and Much More | The Tim Ferriss Show #444High-Intensity Interval Training: How to Do HIIT Workouts for Weight Loss | SelfJerry Seinfeld’s First Appearance on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show | NBCThe Comedy Store Jerry Seinfeld Recalls the Legendary Comedy Promoter Who Hated Him | Cheat SheetSeinfeld saying “Newman!” | SeinfeldWhy Is the Hudson River So Gross? Years of Pollution and Toxic Chemicals Make it Pretty Unsafe | DistractifyThe 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat Loss, Incredible Sex and Becoming Superhuman by Timothy FerrissBob Iger — CEO and Chairman of Disney | The Tim Ferriss Show #406How to Stop Procrastinating by Using the “Seinfeld Strategy” | James ClearGotham Comedy Club In the Heart of the Sea | Prime VideoIn the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel PhilbrickThe Skinner Box or Operant Conditioning Chamber | Verywell MindSeriously Funny: The Rebel Comedians of the 1950s and 1960s by Gerald Nachman

SHOW NOTES

How did the book The Last Laugh: The World of Stand-Up Comics by Phil Berger enter Jerry’s life, and what made it so influential to him as a high-schooler who didn’t do much reading outside of comic books and magazines like Esquire? [07:35]How is Jerry’s writing technique similar to that of fiction writer and past guest Neil Gaiman, and how has it changed over time? What did Jerry learn very early on about the importance of writing in his chosen career as a stand-up comedian? [11:41]What’s the real wellspring of ideas that Jerry spins into comedy gold, what is typically the enemy of this wellspring, and what lifestyle choice did he make that almost ensures the well never runs dry? [18:42]To understand Jerry’s micromanagement approach to steering Seinfeld for nine seasons on network television (and why this turned out to be his limit), imagine it as a boat. [21:05]Did Jerry look toward any role models when deciding to step away from this massively successful creative endeavor on a high note? [24:51]Is the irritability Jerry credits as a wellspring of material actual dissatisfaction, or just more of a sensitivity to notice what others might overlook in the moment? [26:01]Jerry says there was a lack of discord among the cast of Seinfeld, which seems to be a rarity — especially for a comedy ensemble that lasts nine years together. To what does he attribute this lack of discord? [28:23]Why Jerry considers “systemize” a valuable part of his personal operating system, and how he’s trying to instill it in his own kids to apply it to their own projects. [32:17]What are the main lessons Jerry would try to convey if he taught a class on writing, and how does this tie in with the methods he used to get back in shape later in life? [36:23]On feedback and why Jerry never shares what he’s written for at least 24 hours. [38:43]Does Jerry solicit feedback from fellow comics when he’s finished a stand-up set? [41:23]If a reward is crucial for a writing session, does Jerry have a self-reward for completing a stand-up set? [42:29]As a beginning comedian, did Jerry have a long-term career plan? [43:17]What kind of audience feedback from a set would, for Jerry, beat the reward of an ice cream sundae? [44:23]Aside from writing sessions, what other routines does Jerry consider imperative to his well-being, and how often–and for what kind of duration–are they followed? [47:49]How learning to nurture your creative self is akin to parenting, and why Jerry believes that “pain is really knowledge rushing in to fill a void at great speed.” [52:27]Aside from his aforementioned daily routines, is there anything else that helps Jerry stave off or mitigate depressive episodes? Would he agree with other comics who fear seeking help for depression because it might rob them of the mechanism that gives them their best material? [53:56]Does Jerry have any favorite failures that set him up for later success? [56:24]What happened when Jerry went from writing three days a week to seven? [1:01:14]How many times did Jerry rehearse his set before appearing on The Tonight Show for the very first time? [1:03:00]Why does Jerry think Mitzi Shore, The Comedy Store owner, gave him such a hard time? [1:03:13]On self-sufficiency as a seemingly rare commodity in the world of comedy (except among those who are in it for the long haul), and how Jerry has maintained his constitution beyond his years through gamification. [1:06:40]Has Jerry applied this gamification to creative or professional projects? [1:11:14]Who comes to mind when Jerry hears the word “successful?” Maybe survival is the new success. [1:14:22]What would Jerry’s billboard say? [1:20:21]Parting thoughts. [1:21:51]

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Phil Berger Cal Fussman Albert Brooks Neil Gaiman Rocky Marciano Bill Phillips Lou Gossett, Jr.Johnny Carson George Carlin Laird Hamilton Christopher Columbus Hugh Jackman Mitzi Shore Alexis Ohanian Lindsey Vonn Sam Kinison Bob Iger Adam Wright Ron Howard Jimmy Fallon B.F. Skinner Woody Allen Lenny Bruce Joan Rivers

View more on Timothy Ferriss's website »

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Published on December 08, 2020 06:23

Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify — Habits, Systems and Mental Models for Top Performance (#484)

Illustration by 99designs

We believe that speed of iteration beats quality of iteration, which is why we’re not big on bureaucracy.
— Daniel Ek

Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) is the founder, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board of directors of Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, with 320M users, including 144M subscribers, across 92 markets.

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Brought to you by Headspace easy-to-use app with guided meditations, Lit e rati subscription book club, and Wealthfront automated investing. More on all three below.

The transcript of this episode can be found here. Transcripts of all episodes can be found here.

Listen onApple Podcasts

[image error]Listen onSpotify

[image error]Listen onOvercast

#484: Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify — Habits, Systems and Mental Models for Top Performancehttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/8fe1bb37-99ba-426f-893a-c17eeb455fa5.mp3 Download

This episode is brought to you by Headspace! Headspace is your daily dose of mindfulness in the form of guided meditations in an easy-to-use app. Whatever the situation, Headspace can help you feel better. Overwhelmed? Headspace has a 3-minute S.O.S. meditation for you. Need some help falling asleep? Headspace has wind-down sessions their members swear by. And for parents, Headspace even has morning meditations you can do with your kids. Headspace’s approach to mindfulness can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost focus, and increase your overall sense of well-being.

Go to Headspace.com/Tim for a FREE one-month trial with access to Headspace’s full library of meditations for every situation.

This episode is brought to you by Literati! I absolutely love what they’re doing, and I’ve been waiting for someone to really pull it off. Literati is a subscription book club that sends a beautiful book to your door each month, hand-picked by world-renowned authors and leaders. Every month, you’ll get one paperback or hardcover book that’s specific to your Luminary’s club. Like Malala Yousafzai’s club, Fearless. Or Stephen Curry’s club, Underrated. These are life-changing books, personally picked by awe-inspiring people.

Get the books that the world’s most fascinating minds are reading, every month. And you can cancel anytime. Go to Literati.com/Tim to find your perfect book club and sign up today.

This episode is brought to you by Wealthfront! Wealthfront pioneered the automated investing movement, sometimes referred to as ‘robo-advising,’ and they currently oversee $20 billion of assets for their clients. It takes about three minutes to sign up, and then Wealthfront will build you a globally diversified portfolio of ETFs based on your risk appetite and manage it for you at an incredibly low cost.

Smart investing should not feel like a rollercoaster ride. Let the professionals do the work for you. Go to Wealthfront.com/Tim and open a Wealthfront account today, and you’ll get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life. Wealthfront will automate your investments for the long term. Get started today at Wealthfront.com/Tim.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES…

Want to hear an episode that can help clarify how Shopify and Spotify differ in leadership? Check out my conversation with Shopify founder and CEO Tobi Lütke, in which we discuss feedback as a gift, fostering a growth mindset, the impact of dyslexia on Tobi’s reading list and coding endeavors, understanding “the next box,” why the business world should be keeping a close eye on the video game industry, Enneagrams, and much more.

#359: Tobi Lütke — From Snowboard Shop to Billion-Dollar Companyhttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/b4c1d67d-0bb9-47bf-b4a7-2324447e17bd.mp3 Download

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Daniel Ek:

Spotify | Twitter | LinkedIn

Eldsjäl Translation in English | bab.laSaudade: An Untranslatable, Undeniably Potent Word | NPRLagom Translation in English | bab.laSwedes Living In the US Share Their Most Memorable Cultural Clashes | Swedes in the StatesQuote by George Bernard Shaw: “The Reasonable Man Adapts Himself to the World…” | GoodreadsThe American-Western European Values Gap | Pew Research CenterWhat Is Montessori Education? | American Montessori SocietyTribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Tim FerrissSpotify CEO Daniel Ek’s 10 Favorite Books | VultureBlack Box Thinking: The Surprising Truth About Success by Matthew SyedPoor Charlie’s Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger Edited by Ed WexlerThe Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo CoelhoDaniel Ek | The Observer EffectY Combinator Maker’s Schedule, Manager’s Schedule | Paul GrahamWhat Is a Knowledge Worker and How Is Knowledge Work Changing? | PanoptoExclusive: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek on Apple, Facebook, Netflix–and the Future | Fast CompanyTours of Duty: How to Organize Modern Employment | Reid Hoffman, LinkedInShopify Atlassian Leonardo da Vinci by Walter IsaacsonA Life of Picasso: The Prodigy: 1881-1906 (Vol. 1) by John RichardsonA Life of Picasso: The Cubist Rebel: 1907-1916 (Vol. 2) by John RichardsonA Life of Picasso: The Triumphant Years, 1917-1932 (Vol. 3) by John RichardsonA Brief History of the Michelin Star Rating | EscoffierThe Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben HorowitzElon Musk AMA | RedditBrilliant Minds Internet in Sweden | WikipediaBroadband Blues | The Economist

SHOW NOTES

Note from the editor: Timestamps will be added shortly.

What’s the origin story of Daniel’s Twitter handle, @eldsjal?In what context does the Swedish word “lagom” (which means something akin to just right) get used often at Spotify–a company immersed in both Swedish and American culture?Does Daniel think he was born eldsjäl, or was it something he picked up along the way?As a parent, does Daniel favor raising his children with the guaranteed social safety net his own European upbringing provided–which allowed him the freedom to tinker without worrying about food and shelter–or a more hands-off American approach that necessitates some level of success in order to survive? Is there a happy medium?As someone who reads “north of 60 or 70 books” per year, what is it about Matthew Syed’s Black Box Thinking and Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist that makes them particularly memorable and influential to Daniel?There was a time when Daniel let his health fall by the wayside and he weighed 40 or 50 pounds more than he does today. What helped him turn things around and get back to a more ideal weight?While Daniel hasn’t been one to shy away from 100-hour workweeks when necessary, one of his defining characteristics is knowing how to prioritize focus. What impact does this have on his typical schedule?How does Daniel approach the concept of roles in a given meeting, and why is it important to be clear on those roles beforehand?What do Daniel’s annual reviews with his immediate leadership team look like, and how do they address the rapid pace of change Spotify has experienced thus far and expects to continue over the years to come?As CEO, what does Daniel view as the most crucial components of his job, and what allows him to perform them optimally?Spotify and Shopify are two completely different entities, and so are their CEOs. How does Daniel compare and contrast his company, culture, and leadership with that of our mutual friend, Shopify’s Tobi Lütke?Are there any biographies that stand out for Daniel?Favorite books on management.Daniel shares some tough-to-hear feedback he got from someone on his leadership team and what it taught him about being mindful of the value he’s adding (or not adding) to his interactions.Rather than defining static jobs within Spotify, the company prefers to assign missions to staff that last about two years. What have Daniel’s two-year missions entailed?How does Daniel ensure he stays on target when he’s working to fulfill a mission? How has his process adapted over time?What does Daniel mean when he says: “We believe that speed of iteration beats quality of iteration?”What is Brilliant Minds, and how did it start?How and why Daniel dedicates a significant portion of his wealth to “moonshots” across Europe.What would Daniel’s billboard say?Parting thoughts.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

George Bernard Shaw Matthew Syed Charlie Munger Paulo Coelho Jerry Seinfeld Paul Graham Reid Hoffman Peter Thiel Elon Musk Mike Cannon-Brookes Walter Isaacson Leonardo da Vinci Pablo Picasso Andy Grove Ben Horowitz Matthew McConaughey Mark Zuckerberg Steve Jobs Ash Pournouri Avicii Alexander ‘The Mauler’ Gustafsson

View more on Timothy Ferriss's website »

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Published on December 03, 2020 06:24

Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify — The Art of Seeing Around Corners, Two-Year Missions, Top Books, and the Essence of Fire Soul (#484)

Illustration by 99designs

We believe that speed of iteration beats quality of iteration, which is why we’re not big on bureaucracy.
— Daniel Ek

Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) is the founder, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board of directors of Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, with 320M users, including 144M subscribers, across 92 markets.

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Brought to you by Headspace easy-to-use app with guided meditations, Lit e rati subscription book club, and Wealthfront automated investing. More on all three below.

Listen onApple Podcasts

[image error]Listen onSpotify

[image error]Listen onOvercast

#484: Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify — The Art of Seeing Around Corners, Two-Year Missions, Top Books, and the Essence of Fire Soul
https://rss.art19.com/episodes/8fe1bb37-99ba-426f-893a-c17eeb455fa5.mp3 Download

This episode is brought to you by Headspace! Headspace is your daily dose of mindfulness in the form of guided meditations in an easy-to-use app. Whatever the situation, Headspace can help you feel better. Overwhelmed? Headspace has a 3-minute S.O.S. meditation for you. Need some help falling asleep? Headspace has wind-down sessions their members swear by. And for parents, Headspace even has morning meditations you can do with your kids. Headspace’s approach to mindfulness can reduce stress, improve sleep, boost focus, and increase your overall sense of well-being.

Go to Headspace.com/Tim for a FREE one-month trial with access to Headspace’s full library of meditations for every situation.

This episode is brought to you by Literati! I absolutely love what they’re doing, and I’ve been waiting for someone to really pull it off. Literati is a subscription book club that sends a beautiful book to your door each month, hand-picked by world-renowned authors and leaders. Every month, you’ll get one paperback or hardcover book that’s specific to your Luminary’s club. Like Malala Yousafzai’s club, Fearless. Or Stephen Curry’s club, Underrated. These are life-changing books, personally picked by awe-inspiring people.

Get the books that the world’s most fascinating minds are reading, every month. And you can cancel anytime. Go to Literati.com/Tim to find your perfect book club and sign up today.

This episode is brought to you by Wealthfront! Wealthfront pioneered the automated investing movement, sometimes referred to as ‘robo-advising,’ and they currently oversee $20 billion of assets for their clients. It takes about three minutes to sign up, and then Wealthfront will build you a globally diversified portfolio of ETFs based on your risk appetite and manage it for you at an incredibly low cost.

Smart investing should not feel like a rollercoaster ride. Let the professionals do the work for you. Go to Wealthfront.com/Tim and open a Wealthfront account today, and you’ll get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life. Wealthfront will automate your investments for the long term. Get started today at Wealthfront.com/Tim.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES…

Want to hear an episode that can help clarify how Shopify and Spotify differ in leadership? Check out my conversation with Shopify founder and CEO Tobi Lütke, in which we discuss feedback as a gift, fostering a growth mindset, the impact of dyslexia on Tobi’s reading list and coding endeavors, understanding “the next box,” why the business world should be keeping a close eye on the video game industry, Enneagrams, and much more.

#359: Tobi Lütke — From Snowboard Shop to Billion-Dollar Companyhttps://rss.art19.com/episodes/b4c1d67d-0bb9-47bf-b4a7-2324447e17bd.mp3 Download

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Daniel Ek:

Spotify | Twitter | LinkedIn

Eldsjäl Translation in English | bab.laSaudade: An Untranslatable, Undeniably Potent Word | NPRLagom Translation in English | bab.laSwedes Living In the US Share Their Most Memorable Cultural Clashes | Swedes in the StatesQuote by George Bernard Shaw: “The Reasonable Man Adapts Himself to the World…” | GoodreadsThe American-Western European Values Gap | Pew Research CenterWhat Is Montessori Education? | American Montessori SocietyTribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Tim FerrissSpotify CEO Daniel Ek’s 10 Favorite Books | VultureBlack Box Thinking: The Surprising Truth About Success by Matthew SyedPoor Charlie’s Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger Edited by Ed WexlerThe Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo CoelhoDaniel Ek | The Observer EffectY Combinator Maker’s Schedule, Manager’s Schedule | Paul GrahamWhat Is a Knowledge Worker and How Is Knowledge Work Changing? | PanoptoExclusive: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek on Apple, Facebook, Netflix–and the Future | Fast CompanyTours of Duty: How to Organize Modern Employment | Reid Hoffman, LinkedInShopify Atlassian Leonardo da Vinci by Walter IsaacsonA Life of Picasso: The Prodigy: 1881-1906 (Vol. 1) by John RichardsonA Life of Picasso: The Cubist Rebel: 1907-1916 (Vol. 2) by John RichardsonA Life of Picasso: The Triumphant Years, 1917-1932 (Vol. 3) by John RichardsonA Brief History of the Michelin Star Rating | EscoffierThe Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben HorowitzElon Musk AMA | RedditBrilliant Minds Internet in Sweden | WikipediaBroadband Blues | The Economist

SHOW NOTES

Note from the editor: Timestamps will be added shortly.

What’s the origin story of Daniel’s Twitter handle, @eldsjal?In what context does the Swedish word “lagom” (which means something akin to just right) get used often at Spotify–a company immersed in both Swedish and American culture?Does Daniel think he was born eldsjäl, or was it something he picked up along the way?As a parent, does Daniel favor raising his children with the guaranteed social safety net his own European upbringing provided–which allowed him the freedom to tinker without worrying about food and shelter–or a more hands-off American approach that necessitates some level of success in order to survive? Is there a happy medium?As someone who reads “north of 60 or 70 books” per year, what is it about Matthew Syed’s Black Box Thinking and Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist that makes them particularly memorable and influential to Daniel?There was a time when Daniel let his health fall by the wayside and he weighed 40 or 50 pounds more than he does today. What helped him turn things around and get back to a more ideal weight?While Daniel hasn’t been one to shy away from 100-hour workweeks when necessary, one of his defining characteristics is knowing how to prioritize focus. What impact does this have on his typical schedule?How does Daniel approach the concept of roles in a given meeting, and why is it important to be clear on those roles beforehand?What do Daniel’s annual reviews with his immediate leadership team look like, and how do they address the rapid pace of change Spotify has experienced thus far and expects to continue over the years to come?As CEO, what does Daniel view as the most crucial components of his job, and what allows him to perform them optimally?Spotify and Shopify are two completely different entities, and so are their CEOs. How does Daniel compare and contrast his company, culture, and leadership with that of our mutual friend, Shopify’s Tobi Lütke?Are there any biographies that stand out for Daniel?Favorite books on management.Daniel shares some tough-to-hear feedback he got from someone on his leadership team and what it taught him about being mindful of the value he’s adding (or not adding) to his interactions.Rather than defining static jobs within Spotify, the company prefers to assign missions to staff that last about two years. What have Daniel’s two-year missions entailed?How does Daniel ensure he stays on target when he’s working to fulfill a mission? How has his process adapted over time?What does Daniel mean when he says: “We believe that speed of iteration beats quality of iteration?”What is Brilliant Minds, and how did it start?How and why Daniel dedicates a significant portion of his wealth to “moonshots” across Europe.What would Daniel’s billboard say?Parting thoughts.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

George Bernard Shaw Matthew Syed Charlie Munger Paulo Coelho Jerry Seinfeld Paul Graham Reid Hoffman Peter Thiel Elon Musk Mike Cannon-Brookes Walter Isaacson Leonardo da Vinci Pablo Picasso Andy Grove Ben Horowitz Matthew McConaughey Mark Zuckerberg Steve Jobs Ash Pournouri Avicii Alexander ‘The Mauler’ Gustafsson

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Published on December 03, 2020 06:24

Timothy Ferriss's Blog, page 43

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